York Valkyrie have earned their place in the 2026 Women's Super League Grand Final, where they will meet defending champions Wigan Warriors, after delivering a commanding 12-0 victory against Leeds Rhinos in the semi‑final held at Headingley. The final is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September, with kickoff at 5.30 pm at the Brick Community Stadium, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The journey to this moment has been remarkable for York.
Just weeks earlier they suffered heavy defeats – a 38‑16 loss to Leeds on 8 August and a 44‑0 drubbing by Wigan on 15 August. Those setbacks could have demoralised a lesser side, but York used the experience as motivation, turning their fortunes around with a string of impressive performances. They beat Leeds at home in a tightly contested match, then secured a win over St Helens away, followed by a home triumph over Wigan, before finally clinching the semi‑final. The semi‑final itself began with a cautious, scoreless first 21 minutes as both teams tested each other’s defenses.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 22nd minute when York’s Liv Wood displayed a blend of agility and strength, twisting past defenders to ground the ball for a try. Tara‑Jane Stanley successfully converted, putting York ahead 6‑0.
As the half‑time whistle approached, Leeds threatened near the York try‑line, but a poorly executed grubber kick by Ruby Walker gave Stanley the opportunity to collect the ball and sprint clear, extending the lead. Three minutes before the break, Stanley added a long‑range penalty, making the score 8‑0.
The second half opened with York looking to consolidate their advantage. Eight minutes in, Stanley appeared to score a second try, breaking through the Leeds line.
However, the Video Referee reviewed the footage and determined that she lost control of the ball in the act of grounding, nullifying the try. The decision sparked a Leeds resurgence, with the Rhinos mounting sustained attacks, yet York’s defensive organization held firm, preserving their two‑score cushion. At the 60‑minute mark, Leeds’ Georgia Elliston powered over for what seemed to be a crucial try, only for the Video Referee to intervene again, citing obstruction and disallowing the score.
York then sealed the win when Adaoha Akwiwu burst through the defensive line after a short pass from Stanley, scoring the final try and cementing a 12‑0 lead. Leeds made a late push; with six minutes remaining, Ebony Stead appeared to cross the line for a try on the wing, offering the Rhinos a glimmer of hope. Yet for the third time that evening, the Video Referee ruled the effort invalid, showing that Stead had lost control of the ball before grounding it.
The match concluded with York victorious, though the celebration was tempered by the news that Stanley, the night’s standout performer, had failed her Head Injury Assessment and would miss the Grand Final. York head coach Leon Pryce spoke to Sky Sports after the game, expressing disbelief at the turnaround: "This is unbelievable. Nobody gave us a chance.
Everyone had written us off, and last week they were saying it was going to be another Saints vs Leeds game after Saints won here. We read the comments and used that as fuel.
I don't think we got the respect we deserved, but they've been unbelievable. To come to Leeds in a semi‑final against a really good squad and keep them to zero just shows.
It was going to be about grit, toughness and determination. Against all odds we've got there and I couldn't be more proud. I've been proud of them all season, but the last four or five weeks we've really turned a corner and we don't want the season to end." Beyond the York‑Leeds clash, the upcoming Grand Final will also feature a spotlight on individual excellence. Wigan Warriors dominate the 2026 Woman of Steel awards shortlist, with three of their players – Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams – named among the final candidates for the sport’s most prestigious individual honour.
The awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 29 September, in Manchester. Half‑back Jenna Foubister, only 19, has been a catalyst in Wigan’s attacking play this season, recording nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions. Her influence was evident in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, where she earned Player of the Match by creating two tries and delivering three line‑break assists as the Warriors lifted the trophy for the second time.
Second‑rower Eva Hunter, the reigning Woman of Steel, continued her prolific form under coach Denis Betts, crossing the line 23 times in all competitions. Hunter’s speed, power and defensive work rate have made her a constant threat, and she made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley.
Loose forward Megan Williams, a relative newcomer to Wigan after joining from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, has quickly become a cornerstone of the side. In her first two seasons, Williams has shown remarkable consistency, adding four tries during the Super Four phase and playing a pivotal role in Wigan’s push for another historic campaign. Fans can look forward to a thrilling Grand Final showdown between York Valkyrie and Wigan Warriors on 27 September.
The match promises high‑intensity rugby, tactical battles, and the chance for York to cap off their remarkable resurgence with a championship title, while Wigan will aim to cement their dominance and add another trophy to their collection. The game will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with kickoff scheduled for 5.30 pm at the Brick Community Stadium.